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From: jrrt@hogpd.UUCP (R.MITCHELL)
Newsgroups: net.sf-lovers
Subject: Black Easter
Message-ID: <206@hogpd.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 16-Nov-83 11:35:58 EST
Article-I.D.: hogpd.206
Posted: Wed Nov 16 11:35:58 1983
Date-Received: Thu, 17-Nov-83 06:28:02 EST
Lines: 21

I disagree with the plot summary recently given concerning Black
Easter.  The book is indeed by James Blish, and is certainly part
of a three-book series examining Humanity and Religion.
   Black Easter is Blish's attempt to show two things.  First, what
form magic would really take in our "advanced" mechanistic society?
The emphasis is on the mechanics of sorcery, the role of the
Catholic Church, and the effect of hubris on powerful, if flawed,
human beings.   The second purpose of the book is tell a good scary
story.   Blish succeeds admirably, even if you are not fond of
horror/supernatural fiction (and I'm not).
   I won't spoil the ending, except to say I was surprised and
impressed.  I would suggest, though, that glenn reread the last
chapter or two; to claim the book ends with "Satan finds himself
forced to be God" is wrong.
   I *think* the first book in the series is called "The Island {?}
of Dr. Mirabilis;"  I know the third is the classic "A Case of
Conscience."   Sorry I don't have the exact title; I've lent my
copies out...

Rob Mitchell
hogpd!jrrt